Nigeria’s U-12 Basketball Team in Italy for Prestigious MiniBasket International Tournament
Nigeria’s Under-12 basketball team has arrived in Italy ahead of the 34th edition of the MiniBasket in Piazza World Under-12 International Basketball Tournament.
The Nigeria kids will represent the country among some of the best young talents from across the globe.
The young Nigerian squad, assembled under the Impact Kiddies Sports Project, will compete in the week-long tournament taking place in Matera, Italy, from June 21 to June 28, 2026.
Team Nigeria’s participation was made possible through the sponsorship of Blueworld Cosmetics Limited, makers of the popular VIVON brand.
The company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ikenna Ekeagu, provided financial backing for the trip as part of his commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development.
Officials of the Impact Kiddies Sports Project described the sponsorship as a major boost, noting that it eased the financial burden of international participation and created an opportunity for the young athletes to showcase their talents on a global stage.
According to stakeholders, the support extends beyond funding, reflecting confidence in the ability of Nigerian children to compete and excel internationally while gaining valuable cultural and educational experiences.
The MiniBasket in Piazza tournament, organised by Pielle Matera Basket, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading grassroots basketball events.
The competition attracts teams from more than 60 countries and promotes friendship, inclusion, cultural exchange, and international unity through sports.
Founder of the Impact Kiddies Basketball Project and Head of Delegation, Ambassador Joel Adams, revealed that the team underwent an extensive selection process involving several basketball academies across Lagos to ensure that the best available talents were chosen.
Team captain Oluwatimifun Adeoye, 11, also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the tournament.
“We went through many screening exercises and the best players were selected. I assure you that Nigeria will bring the trophy back home,” Adeoye said.
The tournament presents another opportunity for Nigeria’s emerging basketball stars to gain international exposure while flying the nation’s flag on one of the biggest youth basketball stages in the world.
